John and Tashia Morgridge are the first TEHOF Lifetime Benefactor Award recipients.
The Morgridges share a deep connection with Wauwatosa. They graduated from Wauwatosa High School in 1951, with John leaving a lasting mark as a key member of the 1950 and 1951 state championship swimming teams. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1955, they embarked on a journey of achievement and philanthropy.
John’s early career was marked by his association with successful organizations, including Stratus Computer and Honeywell Information Systems. In 1988, he joined Cisco Systems, a four-year-old company with 34 employees. As president and CEO, he led the company through a tremendous period of profitable growth. When he retired as chairman in 2006, Cisco employed 50,000 people in 77 countries.
After Tashia earned a master’s degree in special education, she taught for many years and published a book for use in elementary classrooms. After retirement, she continued to teach students with disabilities. In countless ways, she has served as a leader in the broader field of K-12 and collegiate education.
In 1992, John and Tashia established the TOSA Foundation, a testament to their generosity and affection for their hometown. Since then, they have donated millions of dollars to UW-Madison and to many projects in Wauwatosa and other communities. They were lead donors in the restoration of Wauwatosa (East) High School’s historic lobby and auditorium, the creation of the Tosa East Aquatics Center, and the redevelopment of Lincoln Elementary School and playground. They also were the lead donors for the TOSA Pool at Hoyt Park, which replaced a county swimming pool that had been closed for years.
The Wauwatosa School District and the Tosa East Hall of Fame are grateful for the support of John and Tashia Morgridge. Their generosity and leadership have had, and will continue to have, a lasting, positive impact on students, families, alumni, and the entire Wauwatosa community.